An operating device for a vehicle comprises an outer unit that can be rotated manually, a detection device configured to detect the movement of the outer unit and generate a control signal using a value that characterizes the movement to control a vehicle function, and an actuator unit that contains a magnetorheological medium, which can be or is coupled to the outer unit and is configured to exert a retaining force on the outer unit based on the viscosity of the magnetorheological medium. The operating device also comprises a sensor unit located in the outer unit and configured to generate a hand signal indicating the absence of a user's hand on the outer unit, and a manipulating device for manipulating the control signal on the basis of the hand signal.

A foldable pedal apparatus for a vehicle is configured so that in a manual driving mode in which a driver directly drives a vehicle, a pedal pad 400 is in a popped-up state of protruding and being exposed toward the driver to be operable by the driver, and in an autonomous traveling situation of the vehicle, the pedal pad 400 is in a hidden state of being hidden and blocked from being exposed toward the driver to be inoperable by the driver.

A control device controls vehicle functions and has a largely fixed moveable object that can be actively operated by a person for the purpose of control. The object floats over a controlled magnetic field. A sensor is detects a displacement of the object by a person from its neutral position.

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a control apparatus includes a first mounting member, a pivot member defining an axis, an elongate member configured to pivot about the axis and having a first elongate portion configured as a first lever arm extending away from the pivot member in a first direction, a second elongate portion extending away from the pivot member in a second direction opposite the first direction, a retainer bracket affixed to the second elongate portion, a gimbal moveably affixed to the first mounting member between the pivot member and the retainer bracket, a force bracket moveably affixed to the second elongate portion by the retainer bracket, and a bias member configured to urge movement of the force bracket in the second direction.

An accelerator device includes at least one drive source, a pedal lever, and a power transmission mechanism. The pedal lever is configured to move according to a pedal depressing operation. The power transmission mechanism is configured to transmit force both in the pedal lever's closing direction and opening direction to the pedal lever by driving of the drive source.

An accelerator device includes a pedal lever, at least one drive source, a power transmission mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The pedal lever operates in response to a depressing operation. The drive source is configured to exert a reaction force as a force in a returning direction to the pedal lever. The power transmission mechanism transmits a drive force from the drive source to the pedal lever. The locking mechanism is capable of regulating the operation of the pedal lever.

A knob assembly for a gas cooktop may include a knob configured to control a flow of gas from a burner of a cooktop starting at an off position, a knob mechanism arranged between the knob and the cooktop, the knob mechanism including a first part arranged below an underside of the knob, and a second part connected to the first part via a spring mechanism, where the first part is fixed to the knob and configured to rotate with the knob and the spring mechanism is configured to bias against the rotation.

A switch device includes an operating knob on which a tilting operation is performed, a detected portion that tilts with the tilting operation of the operating knob, a detection portion that detects movement of the detected portion, and a substrate on which the detection portion is arranged. The detection portion is aligned in an in-plane direction of the substrate and performs a switching operation upon detection of movement of the detected portion in the in-plane direction.

A base section can operate to one side and the other side in a predetermined direction. A contact section is attached to a spring and can be in contact with the base section. A holding section holds the spring. A wall portion faces the contact section in the predetermined direction, and generates a sound which becomes a moderation feeling by a collision between the wall portion and the contact section moved by a biasing force of the spring as a contact state between the contact section and the base section changes due to an operation of the base section. The holding section regulates a position of the spring at least in a predetermined direction. A clearance between the contact section and the wall portion is substantially equal on the one side and the other side in the predetermined direction.

A foldable pedal apparatus for a vehicle includes pedal assemblies including pedal arms and pedal pads that are rotated rearwards and are thus popped up to a driver so as to be operated by the driver in a manual driving mode in which the driver directly drives a vehicle. Also, the pedal assemblies including the pedal arms and the pedal pads may be rotated forwards and upwards, so as to be located close to a front surface of a footrest panel and thus enter a hidden state in which exposure of the pedal assemblies to the driver is interrupted so as not to be operated by the driver in an autonomous driving situation.